Hi! You’ve just downloaded my African safari packing list and want some ideas of things to add to your packing list. Thanks for downloading and thanks for clicking over.
These are items I’ve packed with me or something similar if I can’t find the original (some of these things have been in my closet for YEARS). I’ve also included a section of things I didn’t take with me last time that I’ll be considering for the next safari.
But, don’t overthink it. Packing for a safari doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful.
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Clothes, Shoes, Accessories
- Lightweight Pants
- I love my Prana Pants
- I also have a pair from ExOfficio that I love. They’re discontinued, but these are similar.
- Maxi skirts are a great pants alternative and can be much more comfortable and cute. I took one like this.
- Shorts
- I also love my Prana Shorts
- I’ve taken other comfy denim shorts, too. Aerie has my favorites
- Athletic shorts or skorts would be fine, too. I’ll take my Popflex Active Skorts next time.
- Layer-able
- T-shirts- any you already have will do.
- I’ve learned I prefer flowy over fitted.
- Tank Top
- Same advice as the t-shirts.
- Athletic tanks work well, too!
- Fleece or Flannel
- I bought my flannel at a thrift store. This one is similar.
- I bought my flannel at a thrift store. This one is similar.
- Puffer Jacket if it will be cold enough
- Check the temperatures for the morning and evening to see if you want to bring a puffer jacket. Mine is many seasons old from PrAna. This one is similar.
- Check the temperatures for the morning and evening to see if you want to bring a puffer jacket. Mine is many seasons old from PrAna. This one is similar.
- Long sleeve linen
- I got mine at Quince. It’s oversized and can be hard to style, but I like it.
- This one is similar
- Rain Coat
- If you’re going in the rainy season, you’ll want a rain coat, even if just for walking around the property. This is mine.
- If you’re going in the rainy season, you’ll want a rain coat, even if just for walking around the property. This is mine.
- Dress or jumpsuit for dinner
- A maxi skirt can serve the same purpose, but a cute dress like this can be cute for dinner or photographs.
- A maxi skirt can serve the same purpose, but a cute dress like this can be cute for dinner or photographs.
- Exofficio Underwear
- Even though they’re small, I hate spending luggage space on underwear when I can pack an easily washable pair like these.
- Even though they’re small, I hate spending luggage space on underwear when I can pack an easily washable pair like these.
- Sandals
- You can bring flip-flops for the pool if you want, but my Chacos have been perfect for walking around properties and wearing during game drives. I like the single strap with no toe loop because I can put socks on with them if it’s cold. It’s nerdy but it’s great layering.
- You can bring flip-flops for the pool if you want, but my Chacos have been perfect for walking around properties and wearing during game drives. I like the single strap with no toe loop because I can put socks on with them if it’s cold. It’s nerdy but it’s great layering.
- Sunglasses
- Goodr is my favorite brand. It’s easy to find your size; they’re durable and provide great sun protection. They’re also super affordable, so I don’t worry about taking them with me.
- Goodr is my favorite brand. It’s easy to find your size; they’re durable and provide great sun protection. They’re also super affordable, so I don’t worry about taking them with me.
- A wide-brimmed hat
- I don’t wear one when I go, but I’ve seen hats like this one work well on a safari. Make sure yours has a tie to keep it on.
Things you already have (or that are too personal for my recommendations to matter)
- PJs
- Swimsuit + Cover-up
- Socks (at least one warm pair)
- Closed toe shoes- athletic sneakers are fine
- Hair Ties and clips
Camera and Binocular Recommendations
- These binoculars have been incredible on every safari.
- I love my camera kit.
- I have a Nikkon Z4 mirrorless camera.
- I take a 200mm – 400mm lens for wildlife shots.
- My 24mm – 70mm works well for landscapes. But, to be honest, so does my phone.
I’ve spent years learning photography, though. So, if you haven’t learned and don’t want to I wouldn’t drop lots of money on a camera kit.
My partner used this camera kit at a lodge in Kenya and was able to take incredible photos with minimal photography knowledge. But, it’s an expensive kit!
- Canon EOS R6 Mark ii Mirrorless camera
- 100mm-500mm lens
Luggage and Day Packs
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
- Fjallraven Kanken Backpack as a Daypack
- Fjallraven Kanken Photo Insert as a Camera Case
Find more recommendations on this post.